Evanger's Breed Buzz: Beagle

With a square, straight muzzle and squarely built body, the Beagle is a sturdy breed resembling a miniature Foxhound. The modern dog breed was developed around the 1830s in Great Britain from a mix of the North Country Beagle, Southern Hound, Talbot Hound and possibly the Harrier. Among its distinguishing characteristics are long ears, large hazel or brown eyes, and a distinctive howl or bay of a bark when on the hunt.

The Beagle’s shorter length coat reflects hound-type colors combinations that include black and tan, red and white, orange and white, lemon and white, tricolor, red tick and blue tick. Just slightly larger and heavier than females, males average 14-16 inches and weight 22-25 pounds. 

While they are especially good with children and typically good with other dogs, the Beagle’s hunting instincts may come into play with non-canine pets. It’s critical that they are socialized at a young age with cats and other household pets.

Since they have a mind of their own, these intelligent dogs require firm, patient training. As an owner, you need to establish that you’re the pack leader. They also require both physical and mental exercise daily since they’re so energetic and have such high stamina. Be certain to keep your Beagle on a leash while walking it to prevent it from running off to chase game or trail scents.

With a life expectancy of 12-15 years, this dog breed is prone to mast cell tumors, obesity, allergies and chondroplasia (warped front legs). Some lines are also prone to back problems, heart disease, epilepsy and cherry eye.

To help these social pets remain strong and avoid allergies, consider Evanger’s Super Premium Beef Dinner mixed with Grain-Free Sweet Potato. This blend offers a complete, balanced and highly nutritious meal that’s both grain and gluten free. It also includes such superfood ingredients as spinach, kale and chelated minerals. Since Beagles are scent hounds, they also enjoy sniffing out their food bowl when you place it in new locations and finding hidden treats.

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